Pregnancy testing

Immunoassays have virtually replaced bioassays for detection of pregnancy. Slide and tube tests are applicable in most clinical situations. Because of its sensitivity, radioimmunoassay is ideal for diagnosis of early and ectopic pregnancies.     

Pregnancy testing. 2. Radioreceptor assay

Of the various sensitive assays for human chorionic gonadotropin, the radioreceptor assay is now the most practical and should be used for the early diagnosis of pregnancy (35 days or less after the last normal menstrual period). Serial measurement of this hormone by the beta subunit radioimmunoassay provides a valuable guide to the management of trophoblastic disease.     

Pregnancy testing. 1. Immunoassays and radioimmunoassays

Immunoassays have virtually replaced bioassays for detection of pregnancy. Slide and tube tests are applicable in most clinical situations. Because of its sensitivity, radioimmunoassay is ideal for diagnosis of early and ectopic pregnancies.     

Psychometric testing of the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire

Pregnant women's perception of risk may influence their health behaviors during pregnancy; however, no validated instrument exists to measure those perceptions. The purpose of this study was to refine a new instrument, the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (PPRQ), and conduct psychometric assessment of the final 9‐item version. Reliability and validity were assessed using a sample of 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a two‐factor solution. Evidence of construct validity was demonstrated using the known‐groups technique and through convergent validity. Ratings of pregnancy risk correlated with state anxiety level, providing evidence of concurrent validity. The PPRQ had high internal consistency reliability and excellent test–retest reliability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:493–503, 2009     

Pregnancy and diabetes.

Pregnancy in the diabetic is no longer the universal tragedy for mother and child that it once was but avoidable fetal loss wil continue to occur unless gestational diabetes is detected, and unless meticulous control and monitoring of the insulin dependent diabetic is maintained. As Kinch has so succinctly stated "careful composite chemical control oa cooperative patient" is pivotal.